When Words Fail...Music Speaks

James Cox
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"When Words Fail, Music Speaks" is your sonic sanctuary, a podcast dedicated to exploring the profound ways music shapes our lives, emotions, and connections. Join us as we dive deep into the melodies, rhythms, and harmonies that articulate what words simply cannot. This is more than just a music podcast; it's an exploration of the human experience through the universal language of music. Each episode features insightful conversations, captivating stories, and expert analysis, unraveling the power of music in all its forms. From classical compositions that stir the soul to contemporary anthems that define generations, we cover a wide spectrum of genres and artists. Discover how music influences everything from our mental well-being and cultural identities to our social movements and personal memories Whether you're a seasoned audiophile, a casual listener, or someone seeking solace and understanding, "When Words Fail, Music Speaks" offers something for everyone. Tune in to discover new artists, revisit old favorites, and gain a deeper appreciation for the art form that unites us all. Subscribe now and let the music speak to you. Join our community of music lovers as we explore the harmonies of life, one episode at a time. Because sometimes, when words fail, music speaks.

  1. Episode 481 -From Rocket Engines to Rock Guitars How Math Powers Creative Expression

    9 HR AGO

    Episode 481 -From Rocket Engines to Rock Guitars How Math Powers Creative Expression

    Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast that explores how melody, poetry, and science can lift us out of life’s toughest moments. I’m your host, James Cox—a self‑identified “professional handicapped” host who knows all too well how depression can shadow the daily grind, but also how a single chord can pull us back into the light. Today’s guest is nothing short of a renaissance man: Mark Winters. Hailing from Texas, Mark is a rock‑blues‑pop songwriter, poet, entrepreneur, mentor to budding creators, and—yes—an aerospace engineer who’s spent his career wrestling with orbital mechanics and computational fluid dynamics. He’s the mind behind four albums and the fresh single “Let It Rain,” a heart‑wrenching track about loss, guilt, and the healing power of music. In this episode we’ll dive into: How Mark’s grandmother’s voice still guides his lyrics.The delicate dance between poetry and song—where meter meets melody.The surprising math inside music: octaves, rhythms, polyrhythms, and how an engineer’s eye can shape a chord progression.The crossroads of AI and humanity—what happens when machines start to write the songs that make us feel human?The raw emotions behind “Let It Rain” and the deeper conversation about suicide, grief, and community support. Whether you’re a musician, a science nerd, or simply someone looking for a soundtrack to navigate life’s ups and downs, this conversation will remind you that when words stumble, music always finds a way to speak. Grab your headphones, press play, and let Mark’s story and songs resonate. 🎙️✨

    47 min
  2. Episode 480 - Balancing Jazz Improvisation and Pop Discipline: Insights from John Von Seggern’s Global Career

    19 FEB

    Episode 480 - Balancing Jazz Improvisation and Pop Discipline: Insights from John Von Seggern’s Global Career

    Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where host James Cox uses the universal language of music to battle depression, spark creativity, and explore the hidden stories behind the sounds that shape our lives. In today’s episode James sits down with John Von Seggern, a true sonic architect whose career reads like a world‑tour playlist: from jazz clubs in New York and Tokyo to massive Chinese pop concerts in Hong Kong, from avant‑avant ambient bass‑guitar experiments to cutting‑edge electronic production. John walks us through his musical evolution—starting on cello, trombone, and even a flute, then falling in love with the upright bass, discovering the 10‑string Chapman Stick, and finally forging an identity that blends live improvisation with immersive digital soundscapes. Together they dive into: The therapeutic power of music in moments of depression and how ambient textures can become both background and foreground.The gritty realities of making a living as a jazz musician versus the discipline required on pop‑star stadium tours.The cultural contrasts James and John observed while performing in Japan, Hong Kong, and Los Angeles, and why Asian pop musicianship is often underestimated in the West.A “happy accident” story from the making of John’s Taking Shots of Mountain album, sparked by a chance encounter with a Chapman Stick.The future of music education through FutureProof Music School, where AI‑driven personalized pathways meet human mentorship to help beginners and pros alike create electronic dance music without losing the tactile joy of playing an instrument. Whether you’re a seasoned bassist, a bedroom producer, or simply someone looking for a melodic lift, this conversation offers a deep, heartfelt look at how one artist turned curiosity, discipline, and a love for…​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​... Grab your headphones, tune in, and let the conversation remind you that when words fail, music always speaks. Go to John's website at: https://learn.futureproofmusicschool.com/home

    50 min
  3. Episode 479 - Overcoming Record Deal Setbacks: Kristin Massey’s Resilient Path to Musical Freedom

    12 FEB

    Episode 479 - Overcoming Record Deal Setbacks: Kristin Massey’s Resilient Path to Musical Freedom

    In today’s uplifting episode, host James Cox sits down with the wonderfully eclectic Kristen Massey—singer, guitarist, keyboardist, voice‑over artist, producer, comedy writer, and author of the newly released The Joat (Jill of All Trades). From the moment they meet, it’s clear that music is the trunk of Kristen’s tree—everything else branches off it. Together they explore: The healing power of music for depression and why a simple melody can change a heartbeat.Kristen’s musical journey—growing up with a piano, crafting Beatles‑ and Joni‑inspired songs, front‑lining bands, and finally finding her voice after two record‑deal setbacks.Red Siren’s story, including the costly name‑conflict that turned “Siren” into “Red Siren,” and the triumph of releasing their Led Siren tribute to Led Zeppelin.The Joat—a fresh paperback/Kindle release that urges everyone to become a “Jill (or Jack) of All Trades” and step out of comfort zones.Behind‑the‑scenes of audiobook creation, the challenges of recording an emotionally resonant narration, and the future audio‑book release.Thoughts on AI in music, Bandcamp’s ban, and why Kristen decides song‑by‑song whether a track feels authentic.A rapid‑fire lightning round that reveals her first‑thought favorites, the posters that hung on her teenage wall, her “Mount Rushmore” of musical icons (The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, and Jim Morrison), and the classical pieces that still stir her soul—Mozart’s Sonata No. 23 and Haydn’s C‑concerto. Kristen also shares heartfelt anecdotes—from playing a flute that makes jungle leaves stand at attention, to hitching a ride on Willie Nelson’s tour bus—showcasing how music binds us to nature, animals, and each other. Stay tuned for a candid conversation that blends humor, nostalgia, and raw honesty—plus a glimpse into Kristen’s upcoming original EP. Whether you’re battling the blues or just love a good musical story, this episode proves once again that when words stumble, music speaks. 🎶

    45 min
  4. Episode 478 - The Underdog Anthem Paul McCoy from 12 Stones Sends Message To Bullied And Broken Listeners

    5 FEB

    Episode 478 - The Underdog Anthem Paul McCoy from 12 Stones Sends Message To Bullied And Broken Listeners

    Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the show where we explore how melody, rhythm, and raw honesty become a lifeline for anyone wrestling with life’s highs and lows. I’m your host, James Cox, and today’s conversation digs deep into the heart of a true under‑dog story. Our guest is none other than Paul McCoy, the powerhouse vocalist of 12 Stones—the band behind anthems like Anthem for the Underdog, We Are One, and the hauntingly relevant track World So Cold. Paul opens up about the exact moment that song sprang to life in a studio lounge, surrounded by a barrage of negative news, and why it still feels “as fresh as the day it was written.” But the thread of this episode runs far beyond a single track. Paul shares: A gritty backstage pass to his collaborations with WWE—how his high‑energy music landed in the arena, the Judgment Day theme, and the ripple effect it had on film and television placements.A once‑in‑a‑lifetime trek with Navy SEALs in Coronado, the inspiration behind the EP The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday and the anthem We Are One.A personal battle with partial hearing loss, a childhood tumor, and a deaf ear that forged a built‑in “monitor mix” and an unexpected vocal superpower.The raw reality of being bullied, fighting addiction, and staying sober for seven years, and how the stage becomes his therapy when life tries to drown him in anxiety and depression.Why 12 Stones refuses the “Christian‑rock” label, opting instead to let listeners draw their own meaning from songs that blend heavy riffs with hopeful messages.Insights into his creative process—writing music first, letting songs sit for years, and the delicate balance between studio polish and the electric energy of live performance.A quick‑fire lightning round that reveals his favorite lyric, his love of silence, his preference for the stage over the studio, and the three words that define 12 Stones: real, loud, positive. Whether you’re a wrestling fan, a veteran, a music‑maker, or anyone who’s ever felt like an underdog, Paul’s story is a reminder that even when the world feels cold, there’s always a light at the tunnel’s end—if we’re brave enough to reach for it. Stay tuned; the conversation starts now. 🎧✨

    51 min
  5. Episode 477 - Finding Meaning in Silence: Folklore’s Insights on Music, Therapy, and Feeling Seen

    30 JAN

    Episode 477 - Finding Meaning in Silence: Folklore’s Insights on Music, Therapy, and Feeling Seen

    Welcome to this week’s episode of When Words Fail, Music Speaks—the podcast that explores how melody and lyric become a lifeline in the toughest moments. I’m your host, James Cox, and today I’m sitting down with folklaur—the soulful indie‑folk artist behind the hauntingly intimate album Leaves & Letters. Hailing from Philadelphia, Laura (who cleverly turned her English‑major love of stories into the moniker “folklaur”) invites us into the quiet spaces where her music lives—those still‑water moments that linger long after the final note fades. In our conversation we wander through Philly’s vibrant but underrated live‑music scene, swap stories about cheesesteaks and creative compromises, and dig deep into the paradox of being alone to connect with a community. Folklaur shares how she balances raw emotion with lyrical storytelling, wrestles with perfectionism in the studio, and discovers that the most powerful songs are often the ones that feel imperfect. We also get a rapid‑fire “lightning round” that reveals her late‑night writing ritual, her love for silence before a track, the word she over‑uses (community), and the artists who shape her—Taylor Swift, Stevie Nicks, Noah Kahn, and Greasy Abrams. If you’ve ever felt unheard, wrestled with anxiety, or simply crave music that feels like a gentle, honest conversation, stay tuned. By the end of this episode you’ll understand why Folklore believes that “music heals because it’s real,” and you’ll leave with a renewed sense that you matter—just as her songs intend. Press play, settle in, and let the healing power of Folklore’s music speak. 🎙️✨

    34 min
  6. Episode 476 - Unmasking Metal Myths: Kyle Thomas from ExHorder Discusses Honesty, Aggression, Healing in Songwriting

    22 JAN

    Episode 476 - Unmasking Metal Myths: Kyle Thomas from ExHorder Discusses Honesty, Aggression, Healing in Songwriting

    Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where host James Cox explores how melody and rhythm become lifelines for those battling depression and anxiety. In today’s episode, James sits down with Kyle Thomas—the raw‑voiced frontman of New Orleans thrash legends ExHorder!! Together they journey from the gritty beginnings of the band in the mid‑80s through four pivotal albums, unpacking the evolution of Kyle’s lyrics—from teenage outrage at organized religion to today’s more nuanced, honest storytelling. A rapid‑fire “lightning round” reveals Kyle’s unexpected love for Depeche Mode and Duran Duran, his philosophy that metal should stay fun rather than take itself too seriously, and the crucial lesson that technical fireworks mean nothing without genuine connection. Listeners also get a behind‑the‑scenes glimpse of Pat O’Brien’s (Ex Cannibal Corpse) comeback with Exploder, the band’s shift toward streamlined songwriting, and Kyle’s personal ritual of turning pain into cathartic verses. As the conversation winds down, Kyle shares the one album that still pulls at his soul—Black Sabbath’s debut—reminding us that even the darkest riffs can hold a timeless, soul‑shaking resonance. Tune in for an honest, high‑energy deep‑dive into how heavy music can both weaponize aggression and heal the heart, proving once again that when words fall short, the music always finds a way to speak.

    28 min
  7. Episode 475 - Healing Through Beats: Kenneth Perrin’s Journey from Childhood Drummer to Faith‑Driven Songwriter

    15 JAN

    Episode 475 - Healing Through Beats: Kenneth Perrin’s Journey from Childhood Drummer to Faith‑Driven Songwriter

    Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the show where we explore how melody, rhythm, and lyric can lift us out of the darkest moments. I’m your host, James Cox, a lifelong believer in music’s healing power, and today I’m thrilled to sit down with an artist whose honesty, faith, and genre‑blending spirit make every track feel like a conversation with the soul. Meet Kenneith Perrin – a true “music mutt” who began his journey at eight, first behind a drum kit and later as a vocalist in his dad’s church. From early days mimicking Soul‑Train performances to head‑lining clubs, festivals, and worship services, Kenneith’s story is a testament to staying curious, staying authentic, and never letting anyone box you in. In this episode we’ll: Trace his musical roots – how a bassist‑dad, a church debut, and an early love for disco, funk, R&B, and later new‑wave and rock shaped his sound.Dive deep into his 2020 pandemic anthem “Erased by Mercy.” Kenneith explains the song’s raw confession of repentance, the grace he found in surrender, and why it still resounds for listeners battling doubt.Talk tour life – preview his upcoming 2026 Melodic Heart & Soul tour, from the Garden Grove Fest to Fire Forge Brewery in Greenville, SC, and how he blends intimate worship with high‑energy club gigs.Unpack his musical DNA – from MC Hammer, Sister Sledge, and Missing Persons to modern gospel, country, metal, and even guilty‑pleasure pop (Backstreet Boys, Beach Boys). He shares the moments when fans—whether in a church pew or at a Whiskey A Go‑Go—have told him his songs saved them.Reflect on faith & purpose – how his Christian walk informs every lyric, and the simple yet powerful message he hopes every listener walks away with: “You’re never alone; there’s always a song that can lift you up.” Whether you’re a struggling artist, a music lover searching for hope, or just curious about the crossroads of faith and creative expression, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight. Grab your coffee (or a Bones‑flavored brew), press play, and let Kenneith’s story remind you why, when words fail, music always finds a way to speak.

    33 min
  8. Episode 474 - How Music and Imagination Saved Me: Chris Kaufman’s Creative Journey

    1 JAN

    Episode 474 - How Music and Imagination Saved Me: Chris Kaufman’s Creative Journey

    Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where host James Cox explores how music can lift us out of depression and open doors to imagination. In today’s episode, James sits down with the multitalented composer‑author Christopher Kaufman—a Brooklyn‑based classical composer, storyteller, and environmental sound‑artist whose work fuses symphonic scores, natural soundscapes, and illustrated fantasy. We’ll hear Christopher describe life in his peaceful Brooklyn neighborhood, the eclectic musical “vibes” that swirl from jazz ensembles to full‑blown orchestras, and how his lifelong love for Stravinsky, Metallica and classic fantasy literature fuels his creative engine. Through a rapid‑fire “lightning round,” he reveals his artistic rituals—ink versus instruments, favorite mythic creatures, and the superpower he’d pick for a day (perfect emotional pitch). Christopher then takes us inside his magnum opus, Tales of the Ocean City, a series of eight immersive “audio‑books” that blend orchestral storytelling, original illustrations, and video‑book experiences. He explains how musical tension and resolution shape narrative arcs, how his telepathic Pegasus‑like “Parianths” echo his childhood bond with a beloved dog, and why an organ‑driven theme for King Brohuyn and an electric‑guitar leitmotif for the bard Elah perfectly capture each character’s spirit. We’ll also explore his belief that imagination can literally heal: by turning the gray sameness of modern life into vivid, musical worlds, we can push back against depression and find hope. Finally, Christopher shares upcoming projects—book 8 of the series, his “Fantastic Theater” performances, and the ever‑growing sound‑artist community on SoundArtists.com, Instagram, and Facebook. Stick around for a sneak‑peek audio excerpt from Tales of the Ocean City, and discover why, for James and Christopher, when words fall short, music tells the whole story. 🎧✨

    39 min
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About

"When Words Fail, Music Speaks" is your sonic sanctuary, a podcast dedicated to exploring the profound ways music shapes our lives, emotions, and connections. Join us as we dive deep into the melodies, rhythms, and harmonies that articulate what words simply cannot. This is more than just a music podcast; it's an exploration of the human experience through the universal language of music. Each episode features insightful conversations, captivating stories, and expert analysis, unraveling the power of music in all its forms. From classical compositions that stir the soul to contemporary anthems that define generations, we cover a wide spectrum of genres and artists. Discover how music influences everything from our mental well-being and cultural identities to our social movements and personal memories Whether you're a seasoned audiophile, a casual listener, or someone seeking solace and understanding, "When Words Fail, Music Speaks" offers something for everyone. Tune in to discover new artists, revisit old favorites, and gain a deeper appreciation for the art form that unites us all. Subscribe now and let the music speak to you. Join our community of music lovers as we explore the harmonies of life, one episode at a time. Because sometimes, when words fail, music speaks.

Information

  • Creator
    James Cox
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    483
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 When Words Fail...Music Speaks
  • Show Website
    When Words Fail...Music Speaks